No matter your reason for considering adoption, it is a fantastic way to grow your family. There are so many children around the country and the world who need families. Why not open up your own home?
Of course, it’s a process. If you want to adopt a child, you need to be ready for everything that’s involved. There are several steps, and it can take a long time to find the right fit and finalize the adoption.
Let’s look at what you need to know to grow your family through adoption.
Understand the Costs
Many times, cost is the primary hurdle for families interested in adopting. The full cost of adoption will vary depending on a host of factors and can range from $0 to $40,000.
There will be legal fees and a home study involved in the adoption. If you’re already a foster parent, you won’t have to pay for an additional home study. However, there may be medical or other evaluations required.
An international adoption will have different fees that pay for immigration and dossier services. You might also have to donate to the orphanage or agency you’re adopting from.
In general, a foster care adoption will cost the least, whereas a private U.S. adoption can run the highest costs.
Choose Your Adoption Agency
Next, you’ll need to decide who you want to adopt through. You’ll need to use an agency that is licensed in your state. There are likely quite a few, so talk to several. You’ll want to ask what the process looks like, how much it costs, and how long it will take.
Getting references is another essential part of choosing the agency. You want to know how the experience went for other families.
Finally, find out if you’ll need your own lawyer. Some agencies provide legal representation, and others require you to provide some or all of your legal services.
Do a Home Study
Many prospective parents get nervous when it comes to doing a home study. Don’t worry it’s not a white-glove inspection. You’ll meet with a social worker and talk about the adoption process and how you can be ready.
You will need documentation and a background check. At least one of the meetings will take place at your home, and all residents of the house will need to present. The social worker’s goal is to ensure that you’re ready to have a child join your family.
Don’t be shy about asking questions and getting additional resources from the social worker. It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared; it’s the opposite it shows you’re ready to learn and become the best parent you can.
Search for Your Child
The next step is to look through the adoptable children available through your agency and others. Some agencies may provide listings online and the agency may contact you with recommendations as well.
If you see a child who you think is a good fit for your family, you can talk to your social worker. They’ll contact the child’s social worker with your information and let you know if they could be a match.
If so, you’ll receive a child profile for more information. However, the placement may still fall through. The process of finding the right child for adoption requires a lot of patience, flexibility, and persistence.
You’re Matched With a Child
Congratulations, you’ve been matched with a child!
Keep in mind that several families may be considered at the same time. The child’s social worker will make the final decision on which family is best suited for the placement. If you are selected, you’ll get additional information about the child to ensure the match works.
At this stage, there will be paperwork to complete and a series of visits with you and the child.
Once your family is selected and agrees to the adoption placement, you’ll have several months of post-placement supervision. You’ll file legal intent for adoption and legally finalize it.
Living as a Family
The adoption process is long, but family is for a lifetime. There will be a period of adjustment for everyone after the placement is finalized and you’re living together as a new family.
If your child is older, they may struggle emotionally. You may need to help them with social skills or fitting in at school. Younger children and infants also need time to adjust, but it may be easier.
Be ready for health challenges that may arise. Because the child isn’t directly related to you, they may be predisposed to different illnesses than what runs in your family. Be sure to keep up with their health care and screenings so you can detect problems early.
You’ll also be adjusting to new parenting challenges. Even if you’re already a parent, every new child has a unique personality. It will be a journey of discovery for the rest of your life.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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